About Me My name is Alissa, and I'm a freshman at Purdue University studying Elementary Education. I'm from West Lafayette, IN originally.
I chose Ayn Rand for my project because her cause is very dear to me. Ayn Rand was not afraid to express her views, and if she was, it didn't show. She stood up for what she believed in, even if it was not popular. This affects me directly because I was very much an other as a child. I went to a small private school and did not fit in whatsoever. My ostracism continued throughout elementary, middle and high school, even after I transferred to a public school. It was Ayn Rand who inspired me to be more expressive of my beliefs. Although I continue to live at home with a very religious mother, I do not practice my childhood religion and consider myself an atheist. I am now proud to express my beliefs, even though it is difficult at times. In current times, atheism is becoming more prominent. According to a 2004 study, 12% of Americans identified themselves as atheist or agnostic (Cline); an important note here is that not all non-believers admit to their faiths, and many religious people are simply following the motions rather than truly believing. However, during Rand's lifetime, atheism was not as popular. Based on Gallup Poll data, only about 2% of Americans were self-identified atheists (Wichman). "Coming out" as an atheist was even more rare then, so many people did not out of fear. Even now, many people stifle their true beliefs for society. Ayn Rand did not to any degree, and she has inspired me in this way. |
School of Education
|